**Postpartum Psychosis: A Mother's Descent into Delusion**

In the weeks following the birth of her daughter, one new mother's mental state rapidly deteriorated, spiraling into a terrifying episode of postpartum psychosis. Despite her history of depression and preparations for postpartum depression, Ayana Lage found herself overwhelmed by intense joy, paranoia, and delusions.

Postpartum Psychosis: A Mother's Descent into Delusion

Lage had taken proactive steps to manage her mental health, consulting a psychiatrist and educating herself and her husband on the signs of postpartum blues. However, after a seemingly joyful initial period, her mood began to fluctuate wildly. She grew irritable, snapping at loved ones and neglecting her own rest. As the weeks passed, Lage's thoughts became increasingly distorted, with her hearing messages from God and believing her daughter was the second coming of Jesus.

Her husband and parents, concerned for both mother and child, worked to keep Lage safe while seeking a solution. They ensured she never had unsupervised time with her newborn, as Lage became convinced she couldn't trust anyone else to care for her daughter. The situation became increasingly dire as Lage's delusions intensified, leading her to fear her daughter would die if handed to others.

In a moment of clarity, Lage realized she needed urgent help and insisted on being taken to the hospital. Though her memory of the time is hazy, she recalls feeling intense frustration and fear, convinced her family was denying the obvious truth of her prophecies. Ultimately, Lage's descent into postpartum psychosis serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health support during the critical postpartum period.